Behavior in the use of cell phones in older people and its relationship whit sociocognitve variables

REVOLLO SARMIENTO, A.; VIVAS, L.,; LOPEZ MORENO, M. C.

Simposio; Satellite Symposium AAIC 2023; 2023

Alzheimer´s Association

Background: Population aging has increased considerably in recent years, which entails the need to generate interventions that allow prolonging autonomy, quality of life and active aging. The use and acceptance of cell phones represent tools that can contribute to improving the lives of older people (Carrasco 2020). In this paper we propose to study the relationships between sociocognitive variables and behavior in the use of cell phones in older people. Method: Sample: 79 elderly people without cognitive impairment (77% women). The sample presents a mean age of 70.64 (60 to 85) and years of study 11.92 (6 to 17). A cross-sectional correlational study was carried out. Cell phone use behavior variables were based on the SAMCOP model an adaptation of the questionnaire to Argentina was carried out (Ma et al., 2016). The ACE III (Bruno et al., 2017), the cognitive reserve questionnaire (Rami et al., 2011). The questionnaires and the informed consent were taken individually. Result: A correlation analysis was carried out between the demographic variables (age, years of study and cognitive reserve) and the behavioral ones (frequency and years of cell phone use, apps installed, apps used and cost of use). The following correlations were observed: the demographic variables presented relationships with frequency of cell phone use, years of use, app installed and app used (p<.05) and only age showed a marginally significant value with the cost variable ( p=.60). Cognitive functioning was correlated with app used, app installed and frequency of use (p<.05). The gender variable did not present a correlation with any behavioral variable. Conclusion: The results indicate that there are relationships between the demographic variables of the elderly and the behavior in the use of the cell phone, the analysis also showed a negative connection between the age and the behavior variables. Knowing how and since when they use different technologies They give us a hint about how to design interventions to promote and facilitate cell phone use, reduce the digital divide and plan and intervene from digital literacy. In particular, the usability of the cell phone facilitates communication and access to certain vital services, allowing security and autonomy.